Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB47

Introduced
1/18/23  

Caption

In source selection and contract formation, further providing for debarment or suspension.

Impact

The implications of SB47 are significant for state law as it seeks to standardize and potentially streamline the debarment and suspension processes across various state agencies. By laying down explicit criteria for debarment, the bill aims to remove ambiguity that may currently exist in how contractors are evaluated and held accountable. This could lead to more consistent enforcement of contract eligibility and might improve overall accountability among contractors working with the state government.

Summary

SB47 aims to amend the regulations regarding source selection and contract formation within state contracting processes. The primary focus of the bill is on the criteria and procedures related to the debarment and suspension of contractors. This legislation emphasizes the importance of ensuring that only qualified contractors are allowed to participate in state contracts, with the intent to enhance the integrity and reliability of the procurement process. The bill seeks to provide clearer guidelines on how contractors can be debarred or suspended for misconduct or failure to meet appropriate standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB47 appears to be cautiously optimistic among its proponents, who view the bill as a necessary step towards a more transparent and accountable procurement process. Supporters argue that enhancing regulations on contractor qualifications will foster integrity in state contracting, ultimately benefiting public projects and expenditures. However, there are concerns among some stakeholders about the potential for overreach or too stringent conditions that may inadvertently limit qualified bidders, thereby reducing competition.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB47 include debates on the balance between accountability and accessibility for contractors. Some advocates worry that strict debarment criteria could exclude small or minority-owned businesses from participating in state contracts due to past issues that do not reflect current capabilities. There’s also concern about the administrative burden that enhanced debarment procedures could place on state agencies, potentially leading to delays in contract awards and project implementations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB305

In source selection and contract formation, further providing for debarment or suspension.

PA SB486

In source selection and contract formation, further providing for debarment or suspension.

PA HB717

In source selection and contract formation, further providing for debarment or suspension.

PA HB487

In source selection and contract formation, further providing for supplies manufactured and services performed by persons with disabilities.

PA SB1286

In licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege; and, in miscellaneous provisions relating to offenses in general, further providing for careless driving.

PA HB1194

In contracts, further providing for letting contracts.

PA SB855

Further providing for duty of contractor; providing for registration of contractors and subcontractors, for registration fees, for proof of registration and for duties of contractors, subcontractors and the department; and further providing for remedies and penalties.

PA HB1588

In enforcement, further providing for revocation, suspension or denial of license, permit or registration; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for denial or revocation of licenses and for period of revocation.

PA SB871

In contracts, further providing for letting contracts.

PA HB772

In pupils and attendance, further providing for suspension and expulsion of pupils.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.